Chinese art exhibition at Destination Gallery/Global Friends Center

Top, An example of Tieqiang’s realistic figure work. Above, Tieqiang’s landscapes capture the mystery and drama of mountains in China.

SoVaNow.com / February 21, 2013

To celebrate Chinese New Year, honor the traditions of the numerous Chinese families that call South Boston their home, and bring a new perspective on this ancient tradition to the community, the Associates of the Global Friends Center and Destination Gallery are presenting the work of two Chinese print artists in addition to many beautiful examples of Chinese art and craft. The show and sale will open to the public on Thursday, Feb. 22 and will be in the Gallery for one month.

The works of two Chinese artists, father and daughter, have been brought to the Gallery through Hongqing Ye, an Associate of the Global Friends Center.

Zhang Tieqiang is Director of Creation and Research at the Hubei Institute of Chinese Painting. He learned his art form from the famous painter, Kong Qi, a Master of the China National Academy of Painting. His genre is traditional Chinese ink painting and he works with mineral pigments on various China papers.

Mr. Zhang is also a distinguished member of the Committee of the Professional Board for Painting and Calligraphy, Chinese Arts and Crafts Institute. His works have been featured in newspapers and journals at the national level, and his paintings are collected by institutes and persons

Among his many exhibitions and awards are a major exhibition in Wuhan, his home city, and numerous Gold and Silver awards throughout his notable career.

Zhang Yin, the daughter of Zhang Tieqiang, was born in 1983. Zhang holds a Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design Art from the University of Wuhan. She has a Master’s degree in figure painting from the China National Academy of Painting. She is a member of the Artist Association of Wuhan.

Her interest is Chinese realistic painting and her medium is mineral pigments on China paper.

In recognition of her talent, she has received many awards, including the 2011 Bronze Award of the Third National exhibition of Excellent Painting and Calligraphy, Chinese Arts and Crafts Institute. Her various print series have been registered as collections.

In addition to the prints by Zhang and his daughter, the month-long show features beautiful scrolls, glass art, fans, silk place mats and chopsticks, embroidered handbags and pillow covers. Visitors will recognize new works by local artists, Betty Caldwell and Phil Ramsey. Virginia and North Carolina artists include: Carol Eikenberry and Inara Dodson, Stuart White, Inge Strach, Hugh Townsend Harris, Jana Baker, Nancy Martin, Norma Marple, Brenda Stankus, Yancey Smith, Eduardo Lapetina, Nita Yancey and others. The gallery also features the fine ceramics of Robin Cage, Mat Stafford and Pam Jones, the exquisite glass art of Mark Woodham, Bonnie M. Brown, Trudy Thompson, Henry Puryear and Ron Tickerhoff. A special area of the gallery showcases beautiful hand-fashioned jewelry of Linda Lumsden, Sarah Spaniol, Bonnie Brown, Michelle Amato Topp and Joy Cunningham. Hand-crafted beadwork from Ecuador and hand-woven basketry from Nicaragua are also on display.

Visitors will find unlimited opportunities to buy beautiful original art and one-of-a-kind gifts. Destination Gallery and the Global Friends Center are a committee of Destination Downtown South Boston. As a non-profit, the commission on all sales goes to a fund for the enrichment of downtown artistic, cultural and community activities.

The gallery and offices are located at 217A Main Street. Hours are: Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The phone number is 434-575-0024.